Arne Slot Sticks To Game Plan For Tottenham After First-Leg Setback In EFL Cup

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Liverpool are expected to win every match, according to Arne Slot, but he won't change his approach for their EFL Cup semi-final second leg against Tottenham. Despite trailing after the first leg, Slot remains focused on maintaining consistency in preparation.

In the initial leg at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on January 8, Liverpool dominated but lost 1-0 due to a late goal by Lucas Bergvall. This result gave Spurs an edge at the halfway mark. Since then, Liverpool have won five of their seven matches across all competitions, drawing one and losing one. They now lead the Premier League by six points and topped their Champions League group.

Liverpool's home record in the EFL Cup is impressive, remaining unbeaten in their last nine games (W4 D5) and winning the last four with a combined score of 15-4. Historically, they have reached the final twice after losing the first leg of an EFL Cup semi-final, achieving this feat in 2000-01 against Crystal Palace and in 2002-03 against Sheffield United.

"I don't think I have to prepare them differently to any other game," Slot stated. "From now on, until the end of the season and as long as Liverpool exists, you need to win the game." He emphasised that despite being close in the first leg until the final moments, nothing changes for this match compared to others. "There's only one thing expected of you - to win the game," he added.

Liverpool's recent record against Spurs is strong, having lost just once in their last 27 home encounters across all competitions (W19 D7). They are unbeaten in their last 14 meetings (W10 D4) since a 2-0 defeat in May 2011.

Injury Concerns for Spurs

Tottenham face injury challenges with several key players sidelined. However, Micky van de Ven's return last week could be crucial after Radu Dragusin suffered an ACL injury. Slot acknowledged that Liverpool might encounter different challenges due to these changes but expressed confidence in his team's ability to improve.

"We face two different players," Slot noted. "I wonder if Van de Ven can play [because] he has a big impact." He suggested that Van de Ven's involvement might alter the team's quality and acknowledged that winning would be difficult given they couldn't secure victory in the first leg. However, he remained optimistic about performing better this time around.

The four-week gap between legs presents new dynamics for both teams. Slot believes his side can adapt and deliver a stronger performance despite previous setbacks.